L D 3,2, 'i 1 

mi 

ADDRESS 



PREPARATORY TO OPENING THE DEPARTMENT 



TWM A^W^ AMW ^^WMW^M^ 



UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND. 



DELIVERED 



ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES, 



BY WM. FRICK. 



PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BOARD. 



BALTIMORE: 

PRINTED BY JOHN D. TOY, 

Corner of Market and St. Paul streets. 
1831. 







ADDRESS. 



It is no small subject of congratulation^ to the 
present and coming generations^ that throughout 
our common country^ the public attention is fully 
awakened^ and intently directed to the subject of 
general education; — that men of the first order of 
talent^ and the highest intellectual accomplishments^ 
are engaging in the labour of teaching youth^ not 
alone in our Universities and Colleges^ but in our 
institutes, academies and public schools; — that pa- 
rents and guardians entertain higher views, and are 
disposed to more liberal appropriations, to the pur- 
poses of Education; and that these encouragements 
superadded to our free institutions, and our favour- 
ed position among civilized nations, give earnest 
token and promise, that the diffusion of knowledge 
and intelligence, will keep pace with our acquisi- 
tions as a nation, in wealth, power, and political 
importance. 

Education, in its various forms of adaptation, to 
the wants and interests of every portion of society, 
is now becoming a concern of all pervading solici- 
tude; not only with individuals, but among legislative 
bodies. By reason of its direct and immediate in- 



fluence on the public prosperity and advancement^ 
few subjects present stronger claims, to the attention 
of the friends of improvement, and of mankind; — 
and the progress which has been made within a 
very few years, in extending the sphere of its ope- 
rations, and the system of expedients for instructing, 
is too manifest to be overlooked or denied. It is 
palpable, that in this respect, our national character 
is improving; that there are daily and unequivocal 
indications, of an increased devotion to letters and 
science; that the estimate of our character in this re- 
spect abroad, is rapidly rising; — and the desired re- 
sults, from establishing universities and colleges in dif- 
ferent sections of our country are attained, in sending 
forth scholars who are every day increasing in 
number and in merit. — The great tribunal of public 
opinion, proclaims a revolution, of which these are 
the introductory signs. Education is about to be 
brought within the reach of every person, who de- 
sires to share its blessings; and so far, by the means of 
individual exertion and legislative aid, our country 
has advanced to this object, with steady persever- 
ance; — and if we are but true to ourselves, and this 
great principle of national happiness, the diflfusion 
of an enhghtened and efficient spirit of literature, is 
destined hereafter, to make us not only independent 
of other nations, for these sources of national glory 
and happiness, but contributors ourselves, to that 
great moral and intellectual fund, the only common 
stock, from which one nation may at all times draw, 
without impoverishing another. 



All this may be assumed^ without any just ground 
for the imputation of national vanity; at the same 
time^ we are far from speaking extravagantly of our 
actual progress — much remains to be done; — and 
what has been achieved^ is but additional stimulus 
to the prosecution of those labours^ which have in 
view^ the advancement and diffusion of scientific 
knowledge and polite letters^ through the whole in- 
telligent portion of society^ as the best means of 
perfecting that security^ refinement and happiness, 
which are the just aim; and highest praise of our 
free institutions. 

Our labours in this great field of national im- 
provement; are materially to be accelerated^ by 
evolving the Hberal scheme of Education, devised 
by the state for all its citizens, through the instru- 
mentaHty of the University of Maryland; — and the 
trustees have sought this occasion, to present before 
the public, some of the views which they entertain, 
and the advantage which may be expected, from the 
location and encouragement of an University, in the 
midst of our own population. — It has long been a 
subject of regret, that a large proportion of our 
youth, whose talents and intellectual pretensions, 
entitle them to all the advantages which a liberal 
education can afford, have from causes hitherto be- 
yond the control of their guardians and parents, 
been deprived of this important benefit. — When it 
is considered, how large a portion of the people of 
our city and state, are in moderate circumstances, 
and unable to seek these advantages abroad, there 



cannot be a doubt^ that the best interest^ of our state, 
urgently demand the promotion of an institution, 
where an enlightened education may be obtained, at 
a reasonable charge at home. It is indeed a matter 
of surprise, that our state, with a large metropolis 
in its centre, should have so long existed, without 
such an institution. There are hundreds in our city 
from the age of fourteen to eighteen years, the chil- 
dren of those, who can easily defray the expense of 
an education, such as is proposed in this University. 
Our city is, besides, the most convenient situation, 
for all those young men, who would be sent from 
the counties for their education, on account of the 
probability of here finding connexions, interested 
in their welfare, and the consequent advantage of 
adopting a style of living, and a circle of associates, 
best adapted to the condition and circumstances of 
every student. 

All political improvement in the condition of 
man, is to be attained, only by ennobhng his cha- 
racter and his nature, through the means of educa- 
tion. — The materials for this purpose, are to be 
found in the cultivation of the higher intellectual 
endowments of our being. — Those, who apply no 
other standard to the worth of the intellectual sci- 
ences, than the time spent, and labour bestowed in 
acquiring them, are but httle competent, to estimate 
the silent work of a refined and cultivated literature, 
upon the individual and social condition of man. 
Yet, if we would have our moral and intellectual 
condition, to advance apace with our acquisitions in 



Wt^*-'f" " " '*^* ■"—'•' ■»<*»'-'■> <*fr>r win Mit t^ittt^ 



wealth and power; — if we would struggle forward, 
in the race of political and intellectual pre-eminence, 
which we have so fairly commenced; — if we would 
in fact preserve in our institutions, and transmit to 
posterity the great principles, which our fathers 
laid at the base of our political fabric; — if we che- 
rish these principles, and love our native land, — we 
are called upon, we are solemnly warned, to devote 
ourselves to the employments and pursuits, and to 
systems of education, which shall, in coming genera- 
tions, with a national literature, build up a national 
character. 

We cannot be content, to point the admiration of 
after ages, to the fame of our fathers, and our ra- 
pid growth in wealth and strength as a nation, while 
still some foreign hand indites the record of the 
struggles and the deeds, that gave us a place among 
nations. — The proud consciousness of these deeds, 
and the principles that sustained them, should be 
infused and engrafted with a literature purely our 
own — a literature, which breathes the warm and 
glowing inspiration of national feeling; which, with 
pride and confidence, we may bequeath to posterity. 
Victories, triumphs, and heroes, are not alone suffi- 
cient, to redeem a nation from obscurity and decay, 
if her people are insensible to the natural dignity, 
and the high destiny, that attends upon intelligence, 
learning and genius. — What but the glories of an 
hour, were the splendid empires of Asia, that have 
risen and disappeared under the withering blight of 
tyranny, leaving nought to tell the story of their 



8 

grandeur^ but the few giant pillars and arches, that 
rise above the surrounding waste of sands? — what, 
in the recollections of the ancient independence 
and glory of Greece, is it, that makes us indulge a 
delightful sympathy, in the contemplation of her 
splendid and unrivalled fame, but the memory of 
Grecian art and genius and virtue, while we wan- 
der among the ruins of her stately columns and ma- 
jestic temples, that have since fallen under the bane- 
ful proscription of ignorance and despotism. When 
we muse upon the fate, and the revolutions of an- 
cient Rome, it is not the memory of her kings, 
not "her factions in their worse than civil war/^ nor 
the spoils and triumphs of her conquerors that 
mingle with the exulting contemplation of her past 
glory; — it is Rome, the seat of liberty and letters, 
flourishing in the arts and refinements of civil life, 
that recalls to us the spirit of Cicero, of Virgil, of 
Livy, while we gaze upon the marble wonders of 
her ruined palaces, and prostrate colonades, now 
the seats of sloth, of ignorance and poverty. 

But a motive of a higher character, than its influ-' 
ence upon national glory, invokes us to the cultiva- 
tion of a liberal and enlightened system of educa- 
tion. Such is the indissoluble connection between 
inteUigence and freedom, that it is now established 
as a maxim in morals and government, that no ar- 
bitrary power can be long or safely exercised over a 
people, whose minds have been enlightened by phi- 
losophy and reason. Boasting, as we well may, of 
our free institutions, and endued, by nature and by 



9 

circumstances^ with every quality for mental acqui- 
sition, it would be more than Wind fatality, it would 
be treachery, if we closed our eyes to the influence 
of all liberal philosophy, expansive science and re- 
fined arts, upon the virtue and happiness of the peo- 
ple, and the stability of our institutions. And yet, in 
this point of view, we have only broken down some 
of the outward barriers. Although the prospect 
which our country now affords, is peculiarly glorious, 
yet in the great struggle for human welfare, in which 
we have taken a prominent lead, there will be occa- 
sion for all the best energies of the human intellect, 
for many long years, before our labours are crowned 
with the blessings of that pure, enlightened, and vir- 
tuous liberty, to which the patriot and philanthro- 
pist are looking. It is indeed an immense field of 
glory; — and we trust that our native state, is about to 
assume her share of its labours. 

Now is the time, indeed, when we can expect to 
do it with the most advantage; when knowledge is 
becoming so universal as an object of desire, a source 
of gratification, a means of improvement, or an instru- 
ment of honest and useful ambition; when, among 
us, so large a portion, who are best qualified for it, 
are made to feel the want of a liberal education, for 
defect of the facilities at home, which others, more 
fortunate, are able to go in quest of abroad. 

Let it be remembered, that we have at this day, 
the advantage of all that the reason, industry, ge- 
nius, and experience of ages, hath wrought out from 
this great field of intellect. In the product of this 
2 



10 

ripening harvest^ we have a portion. And shall we 
erect no temples, endow no priests^ to garner up and 
cherish for us and posterity^ these treasures^ while 
other states are busy^ to their own immortal honour 
and advantage^ in profiting from the labours of so 
many preceding generations? What enlightened 
statesman^ whose patriot heart responds to the cul- 
ture of his intellect^ can suppress the hope^ to ^^pay 
back upon coming generations, the debt which he 
cannot refund to his predecessors?" His bosom will 
warm with the noble desire to add his own mite to 
this rich legacy of morals, of freedom, and truth; 
therein to link his own fleeing existence, to the im- 
perishable chain, that winds itself through every race 
and generation of men. This path to immortality is 
open to all who labour in the cause of their fellow 
men; to that true immortaUty, where the deed lives 
and endures, when the name of its author, is left to 
perish unknown or forgotten. 

We are well aware, that the idea of diff*using a 
high degree of intellectual culture, through an ex- 
pansive and growing population, has been regarded 
by many, as visionary and extravagant. It may well 
be so considered, where the great intelligent mass of 
society, are deficient in the means of acquiring the 
very rudiments of knowledge. But with us, where 
all the social energies are roused to the work of ge- 
neral improvement, and the rudiments of education 
are about to be extended to every village, every ham- 
let in the country; — we entertain no fears for the dif- 
fusion of elementary knowledge. 



11 

Our apprehensions are more awake to the prevail- 
ing current of events^ which is giving a direction to 
the genius of our country^ far from propitious to the 
higher and hoher attributes of intellect. 

The work of bringing home to the humble fire- 
side, this primary blessing of useful knowledge and 
instruction, is rapidly perfecting itself. But we are 
yet to be roused to the ambition of excellence and 
renown, that pride of elevation, that lofty enterprise 
of literature and genius, by which alone, we are to 
become intellectually independent, and pre-eminent- 
ly illustrious as a nation. The great idol of the day, 
utility J has infected every opinion, and biassed every 
passion of the mind. We have abandoned the spec- 
ulative and philosophical, to labour in other, perhaps 
more productive regions of mind. — How^ever it may 
mortify our pride, it is a truth, v^hich is not to be 
denied, or evaded. The world is too much absorbed 
in the bustling concerns of enterprise and profit; and 
that avidity for gain, which depresses the higher and 
nobler energies of a people, is increasing in its full 
influence, over every portion of our country. Wealth 
is the excitement to exertion, and the object of uni- 
versal passion. The groves of Academus, and the 
schools of philosophy, where man was wont to lin- 
ger, in the lofty contemplation of his duty and des- 
tiny, and the higher and superior attributes of our 
nature, have been deserted, for the crowded and 
busy scenes of practical life. A little preparatory 
labour at school, serves to qualify and introduce the 
anxious candidate to an arena, where all he sees 



12 

and hears and learns^ must impress the deceitful 
conviction^ that wealth is the only standard of ex- 
cellence^ the only road to honour^ and the only 
means of influence. 

We are by no means unmindful^ that the present 
age is distinguished^ by a bold and enterprising 
spirit of intellectual activity; — but while this spirit is 
chiefly devoted to the practical concerns of life, and 
consecrated alone to this utilitarian system, though 
its votaries may hope to elevate, yet the result and 
tendency is, to extinguish the aspiring ambition 
of intellect, that would climb to honour and re- 
nown, in the loftier regions of letters and philoso- 
phy. The silent operations, and the hidden secrets 
of the material creation, are progressively yielding 
up their mysteries, to the keen and penetrating 
spirit of the age — every recess is explored, that 
can contribute to national wealth, or add to the phy- 
sical resources and comforts of man. — Still these 
sources of improvement and amelioration, in the con- 
dition of human society, are as exhausdess, as the 
labourers are abundant. Every year adds its stock 
of discoveries and inventions, to the already accu- 
mulate results of human enterprise; and while the 
field of research is thus indefinitely extending itself, 
this spirit of physical investigation, strips the domain 
of liberal philosophy, of one province after another; 
and the limits of the liberal sciences and refined arts 
retreat, in proportion as the physical sciences extend 
their boundaries. But still, we do hope a remnant 
may be preserved, to toil in classic ground, and 



13 

nourish the holy themes and visions of antiquity; — 
to drink in the inspirations of high thought; and sus- 
tain the lofty and majestic models of its philosophy, 
to flourish in a soil, congenially adapted to their pri- 
mitive beauty and vigour. 

It is needless to say, then, that we are decidedly 
at war, with that narrow and selfish policy of edu- 
cation, which looks purely to individual interest, and 
the practical concerns of life. Such a system, pre- 
sents an impassable barrier, to the extension of that 
intelligence, morality and refinement, on which the 
sohd greatness of all nations, must ultimately rest. — 
It addresses itself to none of those lofty sentiments 
of the soul, so intimately interblended, with the 
social and public virtues. — It sacrifices the higher at- 
tributes of our nature, to the baser senses and sor- 
did affections; — for there is a dignity in the philoso- 
phy of intellect, which cannot be resolved into 
mercenary calculations, or views of practical utility. 
It is the intellectual nature alone, that by its glori- 
ous and godlike sway, makes truth and justice, wis- 
dom and virtue, religion and morals, more lovely 
and majestic, in their attractions. Every element 
of this philosophy, resolves itself in the preception 
of what is beautiful and true; and the perfectly 
beautiful, dwells in what we cannot convert to pe- 
cuniary profit or speculation. But the possession 
of it, inspires a more holy ambition of high and 
pure morality; and enkindles loftier feelings in the 
heart, than those which usually govern the princi- 
ples of human action. — It lends to the soul, those 



14 

energies and sentiments^ without which^ the mind 
lacks the power of sustaining the moral and religi- 
ous faculties; and invites that reciprocity of action, 
between the moral and intellectual energies, by 
which alone the social nature of man is fully and 
fairly developed. 

The want of this counterbalance of moral senti- 
ment, will always be attended, with a proportionate 
debasement of literary taste. In every thing con- 
nected with matter, our age has reached a degree of 
excellence, that probably was not foreseen in the days, 
when natural philosophy was looked upon, as nothing 
less than the science of magic, or the black art. But 
what is the corresponding fate of that philosophy of 
mind, that pure and elevated science of intellect, 
that directs the eye of thought through all the mys- 
terious chambers of the human soul? Why are we 
called upon, to abjure the mighty masters of antiquity, 
the studies of classic literature, the arts, and poetry.^^ 
Why are we asked, of what use? to what practical 
purpose? Are we insensible, that these studies are 
interwoven with the highest principles of human 
thought and action? — that they hft our minds beyond 
the low and sordid pursuits of life? — that they instil 
those principles, in taste and science, by which cul- 
tivated life is distinguished? — that they elevate and 
purify the heart, for the exercise of all the moral and 
social virtues? — Are we insensible, to the dignified 
and disinterested spirit which looks to the enlarge- 
ment of human character, until it is made to fulfil all 
the ends of human duty and destiny? Then farewell 



15 

to the liberal sciences^ to the happiness of social life^ 
to the stability of free government! Then has our 
national existence no dependance on the intelHgence 
and morality of the People. Personal security^ with 
wealth and physical comfort^ is all the preference, 
that our republican freedom can ever hope to attain. 
The idea, that our free institutions are destined to 
develope the higher and loftier relations of humanity, 
and to exercise an influence hereafter, on the rest of 
mankind, is visionary. While throughout the en- 
lightened world, the mind hath indignantly burst the 
chains of protracted bondage, and the torrent of light 
and learning is fast covering the dark places; while 
our own example, invokes the communities of the 
world to deep reflection and solemn destinies; and 
the dignity of human nature is represented in our 
institutions; when, every where, as of old, where free- 
dom unfurled her banner, the liberal arts and classic 
letters were invoked, to deck the Corinthian capital 
of civilization; — we are content, to weigh these high 
destinies in the scale of interest and profit, and our 
patriotism is extinguished, in selfishness. 

But this is not the only difficulty and prejudice, 
against which we are called to array ourselves, in the 
establishment of a scheme, from which we promise 
so much, to the stability of our institutions, and the 
credit of the state. It must be confessed, that there 
are views of education still more narrow and restrict- 
ed, that confines its operations and influence, within 
a period when little more is done, than to lay the 



/ 



16 

groundwork of those hopes and promises^ in which 
the student is afterwards prematurely checked. 

The whole progress of human life^ is but the con- 
tinued progress of education. In other organic ex- 
istences^ nature not only prescribes the design and 
destiny^ but herself carries them into effect. In man^ 
however^ she merely forms the design^ and leaves it 
to himself to work out its fulfilment. It is this that 
constitutes him man; — that^ among all other exist- 
ences^ he alone has the prerogative to originate and 
cultivate a new train of existences around him. This 
he effects^ from his own impulses and pursuits through 
life^ and the whole tone and complexion of his cha- 
racter^ is purely to be deduced from this — his educa- 
tion. 

It is true^ this education commences under the most 
benign and auspicious influences; — under the influ- 
ence of those benevolent affections which a virtuous 
mother exercises over the mind of her offspring^ and 
which are at the foundation of our feelings^ habits^ 
and tastes; the growth of which are proportionably 
healthy^ as they are first and principally fostered in 
the nursery^ and thence extended into maturer years. 
But in the meantime^ auxiliary aid is invoked^ and 
the artificial system commences; which is only so far 
profitable^ as it trains the pupil to act for himself^ in 
the development of the great designs of nature. This 
is the important;, and ought to be the effective part of 
education. But lamentably^ when the wayward spe- 
culations of youth^ are most in need of the counsels 
of wisdom and experience; before any settled opinions 



17 

are formed^ any principles fixed^ or character de- 
veloped^ at the age of fifteen or sixteen the tutor re- 
tires^ and the aspirant in the great school of society, 
is abandoned to accident and circumstanjces; or per- 
haps worse, — to the influence of those early and bane- 
ful passions, least calculated to prepare him for the 
coming events of life. Something he has learned; 
but his ideas are only so far enlarged, the mysteries 
of intellect only so far unfolded, as to make him the 
victim of that consuming inquietude v^hich a "little 
learning" bestows; and, at the very moment that his 
destiny is about to take its colouring, when a new at- 
mosphere is forming around his intellectual vision, 
and he is conscious of a new power and a new be- 
ing, his career of progress is arrested, and he finds 
himself abandoned to conflicting impulses, which are 
just as dangerous to indulge, as they are diflicult to 
subdue. 

In this predicament, a large proportion of our youth 
are left, without staff* or guide, to push their inqui- 
ries into the fields of liberal investigation, and the 
professions connected with elegant literature. But 
what foundation has been laid, on which they can 
hope to climb the lofty eminence, to which they as- 
pire for the honours of literary and professional fame? 
With the highest incentive to eflfort, they find their 
best exertions paralysed, from defect of those means 
and acquirements, which a finished education alone 
can bestow. They are but half educated; and the re- 
ward of their best toil and energy, is but a happy me- 
diocrity, or a weary mechanical drudgery, in what 
3 



18 

are called the liberal professions. It is here^ that the 
defect of an enlightened and extended system of edu- 
cation^ is most obvious. We are entitled, at this day, 
to demand something more, at least from the pro- 
fessions of Medicine, Law and Divinity; and from the 
increasing influence of university education, wher- 
ever its blessings have been diffused, and the grow- 
ing importance attached to it, in every state of the 
Union, we confidently hope the day is at hand, when, 
under other auspices, these professions will better 
deserve the name they bear. 

A solid and liberal education, guided by religious 
and moral sentiment, is the most invaluable boon, 
that a nation can bestow upon its youth. Yet it is 
too much the habit of our country, to rest content, 
with an equivocal half-way knowledge, of what has 
been studied or learnt. It is in truth, the natural con- 
sequence of a neghgent and superficial education, that 
it should delude the mind, into a notion of its own ac- 
quisitions. 

It is therefore scarcely to be wondered at, that in 
the few glimpses of the glorious visions of antiquity, 
which are imparted at school, the genius and ambi- 
tion of our youth, should be beguiled from the sober 
and divine contemplations of Plato and Socrates, to 
the more obvious attractions, of its orators and states- 
men; — that they should soon forsake the secret and 
uncongenial haunts of philosophy and the muses, to 
engage in the more animating contests of the Forum. 
In the formation of our social system, the theatre of 
politics, seems to offer so easy and inviting a supe- 



1& 

riority^ that all classes rush into the arena; regardless, 
that the largest fertility of talent, and the most un- 
wearied industry, can scarcely fathom the science, 
which would guide the opinions, and direct the so- 
cial interests of men. Yet all these functions of a 
politician, the highest and noblest functions in the 
world, are all to be discharged, with less training 
than is required for the most common occupations in 
life. 

But may we not hope, if our scheme is favourably 
received, that many of the mass, who are hurried 
into this vortex, may be allured from the strifes of 
party, and the rage of politics, to the equally pro- 
mising career of letters and science; that they may 
be won to the cause of Hterature, and the liberal 
sciences; — and that they will find themselves en- 
gaged, with equal honour and profit to their coun- 
try, in cultivating elegant letters or the useful sci- 
ences; and in the promotion of all the branches of in- 
tellectual study, whose special object, and we say 
direct tendency, is to improve the arts of life, and 
elevate the tone of society. It is certainly not an un- 
reasonable calculation, that as the population of our 
state advances, and its wants and employments in- 
crease, a taste and demand, for the more refined and 
rational labours of mind, will proportionably increase 
upon us; and, that when hereafter asked for our 
scholars and men of letters, we may not look in vain 
for a few green spots, amid the desert waste, or the 
occasional flashes of brilliant intellect that now and 
then illuminate our horizon of literature; but may 



20 

point to a constellation of scholars and sages, sus- 
taining the true dignity and pre-eminence, of our po- 
litical fabric, by the energetic and all-pervading in- 
fluence of science, philosophy, and the liberal arts. 
Such a consummation, is destined to have the highest 
and happiest influence, upon our national character 
and fame. Ambition, will find as ready rewards in 
letters and science, as in the sphere of politics. The 
time is approaching, which will ultimately procure, 
both encouragements and rewards, for the abilities 
and productions of genius; when the ^^halls of science 
shall be as attractive as the halls of legislation," and 
the aspiring student, may look forward with confi- 
dent hopes, for the promised land of glory and recom- 
pense, to the disciples of learning. Other nations 
have attained distinction, and gratified their ambition. 
Our perfection is yet to be accomplished; and the 
humblest bosom, may indulge with delight, the visions 
of renown, which we associate with our future pro- 
gress in learning and the liberal arts. This splendid 
achievement, the crown of our national glory, is yet 
reserved for the united labours of generations of 
scholars; and loe may participate in it, by calling up 
our energies, to the commencement of a work, which 
is to confer on our native state, a future immortahty 
and a splendid fame. 

While we are reluctant to damp the holy enthu- 
siasm, which presents these views of future and splen- 
did eminence, we are recalled to the sober and prac- 
tical views, in which it is our desire to present the 
subject. We do entertain high and sanguine expec- 



21 

tationS; from this proposed extension of education. 
We do hope^ to render our university hereafter^ tribu- 
tary to a higher improvement in the arts of life^ and 
a proportionate elevation in the tone of society; — 
and^ while we are reviewing the leading obstacles and 
prejudices, which have hitherto defeated, in our view, 
a high national concern, the subject requires us to 
advert to an opinion, or rather an extraordinary per- 
versity of opinion, that would discountenance estab- 
lishments for the higher branches of education, as 
exclusively for the benefit of the affluent. The mu- 
nificence of the state has always been invoked, on be- 
half of these institutions, and in aid of their location 
at home, because precisely in this point of view, 
they are indifierent to the rich, while they favour 
the pretensions of the poor. If we are accused, of 
being altogether destitute of genius, and little ena- 
moured of literature, it is neither from defect of origi- 
nal talent, or disposition. We are obnoxious to this 
reproach, because, in most instances, the talent of the 
country is, to be traced to that condition of life, where 
the means and opportunity are wanting, to reach the 
vigour of improved maturity. We have no institutions, 
fully adapted to the display of exalted minds; and 
the feeble efforts of unsupported genius, are directed 
into the channels of trade and diverted to the 
acquisition of wealth, as the only great source and 
fountain of power among us. The student is not 
absolutely pressed by poverty or want; — but he has 
not the means of seeking an education abroad. The 
rich however can, and do resort to institutions 



22 

abroad; which are only within the reach of an inde 
pendent fortune; while the parent in middling cir- 
cumstanceS; must strain his means to follow the 
example; or leave the half developed mind of his 
offspring; to prey upon itself. Of what conse- 
quence^ then, is it to the rich; whether the state will 
assume the patronage of an institution^ where they 
may educate their sons? They have the means of 
employing the best teachers at home^ for the ele- 
mentary and preparatory education of their children; 
and they are then sent abroad into other states^ per- 
haps to Europe; and; what is more to them; they 
return; with every claim to that power and influence 
in society; which a superior and accomplished edu- 
cation can confer. And does such a state institution 
as we propose; establish any thing morC; than that 
very equality; which our political compact asserts? 
Exclusively it is intended for none; but the benefit 
is chiefly and principally addressed to the most 
numerous class of society. It is offering to thena, 
the advantages of that enlarged system of intellec- 
tual culture; which we are anxiouS; should diffuse its 
softening and vivifying influence; over our whole 
common country. They are to cheer and encourage 
our effortS; or want the means of an enlightened and 
liberal education; altogether. Such an institution; 
offers to their sonS; all the facility of an enlarged 
education; within their own circle; among those; who 
are most nearly assimilated to them; by the sympa- 
thies and habits of early life; while it enables them, 
to bring their stock of talent and intellect into ac- 



23 

tivity^ and to compete for the honours and rewards 
of society^ which are otherwise destined to become 
the portion^ and the privilege of the affluent. Is 
this then the time^ to denounce the encouragement 
and endowment of places of finished education^ as 
exclusively for the benefit of any one portion of the 
community? No act of the state^ has been so 
honourable to its patriotism^ as the unceasing inter- 
est^ with which the legislature has looked to the 
establishment and encouragement of this institution^ 
in all its departments; — as the means of establishing 
a centre of science and learning within our state^ 
from which the rays may diverge and diffuse them- 
selves^ to all its extremes; and the Hght of education^ 
be spread throughout her domain^ under the influ- 
ence of her own laws^ her manners and character. 

Is it intended^ then^ to raise a privileged order of 
society.? Far from it. The very presence and influ- 
ence of an university, throws around it, an atmosphere 
of morals and intellect, whose healthful inspirations 
are breathed into every class. If this fact could re- 
quire illustration, look to those states in the union, 
where the vulgar prejudice has long been exploded, 
that all learning which is not taught at the common 
schools, is for the benefit of the rich and the few, to 
the exclusion of the many. Their universities estab- 
lish an elevated standard of instruction, the spirit of 
which is diff'used, and impressed upon all the auxili- 
ary schools within their limits. The superior institu- 
tions are the very means of imparting vigour and 
efficacy, to the whole system of education, and when 



24 

our political orators console us with our indepen- 
dence of New England^ let us recollect her univer- 
sities, and the great body of youth from other states, 
who annually resort to these pure fountains of in- 
tellectual inspiration, and in our devotion to this great 
object, let us acknowledge our delinquency, and imi- 
tate her munificence and example. 

If we look abroad, over the continent of Europe, 
we find her numerous universities, many of them origi- 
nating in the infancy of her society, still maintaining 
their influence in the republic of letters, under every 
change and condition of government. When our ad- 
miration is directed to the scholar, the statesman, to 
one pre-eminent in the applause and admiration of his 
fellow men; — is not the first question, where was he 
educated.f^ Is it not considered his moral and intel- 
lectual birth-place.f^ — Are not the universities in our 
country, the institutions that confer that moral nobili- 
ty, which is the only foundation of rank and distinc- 
tion among us.^ — And, whoever attains it in another, 
(to us a foreign state in this respect,) throws the 
credit upon the state and institution, from whose dip- 
loma, he derives this degree of nobility. Like the 
orders of foreign princes, the lustre is not alone shed 
on him who receives, but equally on him who con- 
fers it. 

What is it, that constitutes the dignity and charac- 
ter of our state? Is it, that while we vie with others, 
in our internal improvements, still, all that gives tone 
and complexion to our moral and intellectual condi- 
tion, is to be derived entirely from foreign sources? — 



25 

that the architects of our monuments^ the engineers 
of our roads^ the heads of our colleges^ the professors 
of science^ and morals, and rehgion, among us, are 
only to be sought and obtained from abroad? 

At the same time that this imputation is so broadly 
presented to our native pride, whether deficient or not 
ourselves, we desire to speak with unfeigned esteem for 
all, and with personal attachment to most of these 
gifted individuals, who have consented to cast their 
hues among us. We have invited them to dwell with 
us; — they are now ours, and we claim to be permit- 
ted to identify their names and their characters, with 
our parent state. But the argument remains the 
same; and we are persuaded they think with us, and 
feel with us, and concede the necessity of acting to- 
gether, to the great purposes of home education. The 
greatest impediment is then overcome; — for it is not 
inherent in the subject itself. It lies in the difficulty 
of breathing one common spirit into all, that shall 
direct the efforts and views of all, to one common end. 
And can we continue to be inert and indifferent^ 
Can our legislators, and governors, and magistrates 
restrict their cares alone, to the passing and tempo- 
rary wants of their people, and the pitiful political 
feuds of a day, when the concerns of the moral world, 
present so many subjects of interest, — and the philo- 
sophical spirit of investigation, which the condition 
of the world has brought forth, is busy in the noblest 
of all the works in art or science, in building up a 
scheme, of universal political freedom. Our ances- 
tors saw before them, this vast uncultivated field of 
4 



^6 

science and literature; and fully alive to the value of 
these noble branches of human improvement^ to 
coming generations^ with a prophetic forecast, were 
anxious to make provision^ for the very events which 
are at this day developinsj themselves. They con- 
sidered education the business of state^ and the legis- 
lature of Maryland, gave early attention to the estab- 
lishment of schools. At a period, remote in the his- 
tory of our state as 1692, an act was passed "for the 
encouragement of learning." Four years after King 
William's free school was established at Annapolis, 
on a very enlarged and liberal basis. In 1723 a 
school was endowed in every county of the state, 
and the funds which had been provided by the pre- 
vious acts, for the encouragement of learning and the 
support of schools, were distributed among them in 
equal proportions, while lands were also appropriated 
in each for the use of the teachers. 

The school at Chestertown in Kent county, had 
so far flourished in the year 1782, that the visitors 
apphed to the legislature, to have it formed into a 
college; and it was incorporated under the name of 
Washington college. At the time of this change, 
there were one hundred and forty students attending 
this institution, and the number w^as soon after in- 
creased by a large accession. Buildings were erect- 
ed, at an expense of ten thousand pounds; and the 
state contributed an annual donation of twelve hun- 
dred and fifty pounds. On a similar plan, St. John's 
college at Annapolis originated within a few years 
after, with which King William's school was em- 



27 

bodied, with a yearly grant of seventeen hundred 
and fifty pounds. By the same act which created 
St. John's college, a junction was contemplated and 
authorised with Washington college, under the en- 
larged title of the University of Maryland. 

It is not our purpose here to inquire, how these 
institutions failed to satisfy the expectations of the 
legislature. We barely state the fact that in 1805 
the state patronage was withdrawn; — but the legis- 
lature, never for a session, relaxed its exertions in 
promoting the cause of education. Funds were there- 
after largely and liberally distributed among the coun- 
ties, and the money annually appropriated by the 
state of Maryland for the purposes of education^ ex- 
ceeds 25,000 dollars. 

Our past history then, is enough to show that a 
liberal spirit and policy prevail in our state coun- 
cils, in reference to the all-pervading subject of edu- 
cation. Besides grants to other colleges in the state, 
in 1807, the Medical college w^as founded, with the 
grant of a lottery privilege, to raise 40,000 dollars, 
and in 1812 the charter was enlarged, so as to include 
in its contemplated operations, all the departments of 
science and literature; having an additional privilege 
subsequently granted of raising 100,000 dollars more. 
This institution, with the extension of charter, is the 
present University of Maryland; under the direction 
of the trustees, on whose behalf, I am permitted now 
to appear before you. It scarcely becomes us, here 
to speak of those departments in this institution, 
which have been in operation for some years past. 



28 

We may be permitted to say^ what we know from 
general consent^ that the Medical school has fully 
responded to the expectations of its warmest friends; 
and the department of Law so far as developed^ has 
furnished ample and gratifying evidence of the quali- 
fications of the professor, who sustains the reputa- 
tion, of this department of our university. 

Our present purpose, is with the most neglected, 
but not the least important department of this insti- 
tution. It is not the professional, but the general 
and preparatory education of our youth. We have 
brought before the public the scheme, and so far as 
practicable, have endeavoured to place a copy, in 
the hands of every parent in the state. My duty is 
not now to enlarge upon that scheme; but to urge 
such topics, as should attract the earnest attention of 
parents to a subject, to them of paramount and en- 
during consequence; and no less interesting to every 
citizen of our state, by reason of those moral influ- 
ences, which a liberal and enlightened education, 
exercises upon the happiness and security, which 
are the boast of our free institutions. If the judicious 
education of the youth of a nation, be an object of 
primary interest; if its reputation, its public virtue 
and intelligence, its prosperity and happiness, its dig- 
nity and character, depend in any measure on the 
intellectual culture and improvement of the rising 
generation, has the state of Maryland, have the sons 
and fathers of Maryland no interest in our scheme? — 
Is this appeal made to them in vain? Are we still to 
seek in remote states, at distant universities, the ac- 



29 

quisitions from which so much is to be hoped^ in 
favour of our native state? Are we incapable of train- 
ing our youth^ to the high destinies^ to which their 
relations in social and public life^ hereafter call 
them? — Then is the appeal which we make to the 
patriotism^ the piety^ the parental solicitude, and the 
literary pride of our citizens, in vain. But shall we 
abandon it without the trial? May we not perhaps 
rally the wandering youth of Maryland, and bring 
them home again to their own alma mater? Only a 
portion of the hundreds who annually go abroad 
from our state for their education, would encourage 
us in fixing the foundations of an institution at home, 
that shall check the emigration to foreign schools, ad- 
vance the state of classic and scientific attainments, 
secure to our youth the advantages of all the various, 
as well as the highest branches of liberal education 
at home; and concentrate those principles and feel- 
ings, which are always best bestowed, on the spot of 
our nativity, and the home of our early affections. 

To this the trustees of the university are pledged — 
to the state — to themselves, and to their fellow citi- 
zens. Let the scheme, which they have addressed 
to the public, be fairly read and candidly weighed; 
and if the effort fails, it will be, because it has not 
been sustained by the patriotism and state pride, of 
those for whose advantage, the design was conceived 
and submitted. 

One topic more, before we finally submit the sub- 
ject for your consideration. We have now not the 
time, nor is this the proper occasion, to discuss the 



30 

details connected with this department of our Uni- 
versity. — This task is in abler hands^ and what I 
have omitted to say on t!he subject^ will be amply 
supplied from the faculty itself^ who propose through 
one of their own body^ to address the public on a 
future occasion. We are anxious^ in concluding^ 
again to call your attention^ to the subject of classi- 
cal education^ which forms no small proportion of 
the design of this college. — We have spoken of it, 
as appertaining to the purest ^nd most elevated de- 
partments of hterature. But the question in our 
country is still too common^ — of what use.^ — to what 
practical purpose? Let me meet the question even 
on this ground in a few words. 

When we turn our eyes to the treasures, the 
glories, and prominent lights of antiquity, we find, 
there is that of the universal and eternal, in the 
minds and the WTitings of the ancients, which is in- 
dependent of forms of government, of chmate and of 
centuries; and in recurring to them, we go back to 
the knowledge of the same elementary and perma- 
nent causes, which even now, in our daily duties 
and vocations, are moulding and inspiring the whole 
mass of society. — The germs of the mighty princi- 
ple of truth and moral progress, have had their first 
developement, among the great masters of anti- 
quity. — The very name of Greece, recalls to the 
mind, the perfection of human vigour, displayed in 
the refined arts; and the eloquent meditations of a 
noble philosophy, whose fundamental principles, are 
revived and sustained by the moralists of the pre- 



31 

sent day. — It is this philosophy^ which makes man 
gentle^ humble/brave^ beneficent^ self-denying^ which 
we are sohcitous to embody with the elements of 
our Uterature^ and our social system. It is the phi- 
losophy, which teaches the high motives to God and 
man, which we would introduce, into the rivalries 
of our colleges; and a large portion of this innate 
good, has uniformly been developed, among the 
great writers of antiquity. — It was the sustaining 
principle of their mighty minds, to penetrate above 
that which is material, into the regions of the eter- 
nal, into those regions of pure and abstract feeling, 
to which the best and wisest natures aspire. We 
do not desire to lose the present, in the shadowy 
mazes of a distant antiquity; — but we believe, that 
to search into the intellects of the past ages, and to 
know with a learned spirit, the quahties of the an- 
cient masters, bears with it, a most direct and obvi- 
ous benefit; — and we would fain mould and assimi- 
late to ourselves, the striking and virtuous charac- 
teristics, of this and every other age. — The learn- 
ing and philosophy of the ancients, is the common 
property of mankind. — The spirit of liberty that 
breathes in their writings, is a pure aliment, suited 
to our political system. — The science of her philoso- 
phers, was the great world of mind and immaterial 
being; and as a nation progresses in civilization, in 
the struggle for moral and civil emancipation, the 
more necessary it is, for the people and their rulers, 
that these, the true sciences of humanity, should be 
cultivated and understood. — For, all that respects 



32 

the liberties^ the mutual rights of ourselves and 
our fellow men; all that lays at the foundation^ and 
cements civil society ;, must be derived from a phi- 
losophy^ conversant with men's hearts and spirits. 
Let the exact and experimental sciences^ be pursued 
to their utmost boundaries^ (if any they have) and 
comparatively little is gained^ that can permanently 
promote the highest interests of mankind; while 
we may hope every thing for a nation^ whose science 
and literature is strengthened, by the support and 
bindings, of a pure and noble philosophy. 

Thus then, unless we are prepared to erase from 
our intellectual acquisitions, all that has dignified 
man, and ennobled philosophy in angient days, and 
demand of what use it is to become conversant with 
the past history of our race, we have the highest 
incentives to persevere, in the study of those works, 
through which the knowledge has been transmitted 
to us. 

We are thus consulting additional sources, of na- 
tional glory and happiness; — for philosophy, wisdom 
and liberty support each other; and the pure foun- 
tains of philosophy and liberty are to be traced to 
antiquity. In every other respect, we have not 
been unmindful of the call of patriotism, and have 
given to the world, the most signal manifestations of 
increasing power and wealth, as a nation. — The in- 
terior of our country, is intersected by canals, con- 
necting lakes with rivers, and rivers with the ocean. 
Hills are levelled, and mountains perforated, to 
strengthen the ties, and increase the connexion, 



33 

between the several great members of our union. 
We have not been indifferent, to those multiplying 
facilities of communication, which consolidate the 
feelings of the states by identifying their respective 
interests with each other. Manufactures are en- 
couraged and increasing, while the unbounded for- 
ests, the uncultivated aspects of naked nature, are 
every day yielding, to the growing picture of cities 
and villages, studded throughout the vast expanse 
of our common country. We have done, or are 
doing every thing which can contribute to make us 
an independent, powerful and wealthy nation; and 
before this century shall have passed away, our 
country will present a scene of physical grandeur 
and prosperity, which imagination can scarcely pic- 
ture. It becomes then the patriotic statesmen, to 
bring to action the other sources of national glory. 
The influence of liberty on letters, is about to be 
tested in this experiment of government; and let it 
not be said, that our republican freedom, though 
compatible with wealth and personal security, is yet 
obnoxious, to the high cultivation of letters and phi- 
losophy; that we have gained what is useful, only at 
the expense of what is high and enduring, in moral 
and social government. Let us rather add to our 
sober views of utility, the lofty aspirations of a 
polite and profound literature; — that our country may 
not only surpass every other, in the value of its po- 
litical blessings, and the prosperity of its citizens, 
but in the permanent endurance of our institutions, 
upon the soHd basis of knowledge and virtue. 
5 



34 

It may perhaps be objected^ that in treating this 
subject^ with a reference to the great and striking 
advantages^ which we promise ourselves, from this 
scheme of education, too much has been said, and 
exclusively enforced, in its application to those at- 
tainments, more particularly denominated the liberal. 
We take occasion to disavow, that we mean it to the 
disparagement of the useful sciences, for which it 
will be seen, abundant provision is made in the con- 
templated course of study. The powers of matter, 
have been explored and applied, in a thousand va- 
rieties of ways; which, useful and interesting as they 
are to society, seem as yet, but the first step, in an 
unlimited progression. We have serious doubts, 
whether the age is advancing proportionably, in the 
higher and interior qualities, which are of so much 
more importance, in the perfection of each individual 
nature. It is then to their relative strength, when 
arrayed against the liberal sciences at this day, that 
we are anxious to direct our views; fearful that the 
reaction which is daily gaining ground, in their fa- 
vour, is pressing too forcibly, upon other equally im- 
portant sources of national glory and happiness. The 
cause of the useful and natural sciences, is now too 
deeply fixed, in the foundations of society, to be ar- 
rested in its progress. They are now identified, with 
the cause of human improvement and human nature; 
and we have not been unmindful, that they are con- 
nected, with the elements of the very business, in 
which we have embarked; the education of that great 
portion of society, to whom these branches of ac- 



35 

quirement^ are not only of direct and practical utility, 
but exercise their full influence, in the improvement 
and developement of the intellectual faculties. The 
distribution of our course, embraces the whole range 
of these sciences; every branch under a separate pro- 
fessor, designed, through the means of lectures, not 
alone for scholars, but others, w^ho may be engrossed 
in the competitions of business, the rivalries of pubhc 
life, or the cares of professional duty. Our scheme 
then, is addressed to that quickened and earnest 
spirit of the age, which is to us, the pledge of its 
success in these departments. But as we continue 
to advance in prosperity and wealth, through these 
great agents of national improvement, let us not lose 
our interest, or acquire a distaste for those sciences 
of morals and intellect, whose tendency, aim and 
purpose, we have endeavoured to show, is to adorn, 
embellish and improve the arts of life. At this epoch 
therefore while our national character is yet forming, 
and while it is still susceptible of new elements, we 
would endeavour to embody with it, a taste for those 
studies and attainments, which awaken a love for the 
liberal letters and arts, by which society is adorned 
and refined. 

The trustees of this institution, have therefore, 
every motive which duty and interest can dictate, 
to attempt the further developement, of the great sys- 
tem of education, designed by the legislature of the 
state, and demanded from us and from them, by the 
growing spirit of the age. The improvement, which 
is every where taking place around us, while the 



36 

subject is every day gathering new and increased at- 
tractions^ lends to all speculations on our future pro- 
gress and advancement^ the language of high hope 
and promise. 

The hope^ of seeing hereafter an extended culti- 
vation of letters^ exercising its benign influence 
upon an intelligent^ virtuous and prosperous peo- 
ple^ is one which we delight to indulge. Visions 
of future improvement^ in the character^ the morals 
and the principles of our people^ are before us; and 
we see ourselves^ gradually ascending the scale of 
intellectual perfection^ the liberal arts improving, 
and philosophy and morals rising to refinement. — 
However past experience seems to check these 
hopes, yet we will not despond. The spirit and 
promise of the age; the fortunate auspices of our 
country, the impulses of virtue, the hopes of Chris- 
tianity, the cause of humanity, all forbid despair. — 
Tell us not of difficulties, of obstacles, of expenses, 
in the way of rearing an enlightened and virtuous 
generation, by the side of our own hearths and 
altars. The stability, the permanent standing of 
our institutions depend upon a virtuous and intel- 
hgent spirit of freedom, impressed by education. 
Ever since we were known as a nation, almost un- 
interrupted prosperity has attended our labours, 
and scattered plenty around our dwellings. If our 
country sustains herfelf in the ordeal she is yet to 
pass through, if we can impress the seeds of virtue, 
and the principles of knowledge, upon the coming 
generations, the blessings which she now enjoys, 



37 

may become perpetual. But let us be wanting in 
this trial, and it matters little how fruitful we grow 
in wealth and physical comfort. Let luxury and 
extravagance increase upon us, unchecked by the 
wholesome balance of morals and mind; — let educa- 
tion fail in its purposes and influence, upon our in- 
stitutions, and revelling and excess do its work 
upon our youth, and though we may still breathe the 
air, and speak the language of freedom, its spirit 
will have fled for ever. 



o'S"»ii^' 



